“Behind every man is an even greater woman.” This age-old proverb is given a fresh twist in the new National Geographic series Genius: MLK/X.
Image: Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre) & Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson) in ‘Genius: MLK/X’ | Source: National Geographic/Richard DuCree
The show, available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, delves into the private and public lives of two prominent Civil Rights activists and frequent rivals, Malcolm X (portrayed by Aaron Pierre) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr.).
Unfolding the Private Lives of Civil Rights Icons
The fifth episode of this limited series, set to premiere on February 15, offers a deeper insight into Malcolm X’s relationship with his wife Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson) and MLK Jr.’s marriage to Coretta Scott King (Weruche Opia). The episode aptly titled “Matriarchs” reveals how each of these women grapples with the pressures of a public image and a private life.
An Exclusive Glimpse into the Upcoming Episode
SheKnows was privileged to get an exclusive preview of the upcoming episode. It features a heated conversation between Betty and her mother, Ollie Mae Sanders (played by Michael Hyatt), revolving around Betty’s decision to leave Malcolm.
“The Housewives League and the NAACP are hosting a fundraiser tea and fashion show next week, too bad you won’t be here to attend,” Ollie tells her daughter, who seems anxious as she paces around the house. “I left Malcolm,” she then admits while sitting down at the table.
Betty’s admission leaves her mother stunned, and their conversation takes a deep dive into the anxieties and uncertainties Betty is grappling with.
Understanding the Complexities of Their Marital Life
Betty and Malcolm X were married from 1958 until his tragic assassination in 1965. They were parents to six children – Qubilah, Attallah, Gamilah Lumumba, Ilyasah, Malaak, and Malikah. This episode sheds light on the complexities of their marital life, their struggles, and the impact of their public personas on their private lives.
Witnessing History through a Different Lens
While the mother-daughter conversation seems universal to any woman who’s struggled to balance their roles as a wife or a mother, it becomes all the more illuminating when witnessed between these historical figures.
Don’t Miss Out on the Rest of the Season
To explore more about Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.’s lives, their relationships, and the influence of their wives on American history, make sure to catch the rest of the season Genius: MLK/X. Two episodes air every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic and are available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
